Whine when AC is on

[chrisbh17]

2017 RAM 1500 BigHorn with Hemi -

The last month or two I noticed a whining noise that matches engine RPM. I was deathly worried it was the transmission, but recently I realized if I turn off the AC the noise goes away.

My truck has auto climate control so I switched it to manual, fan at lowest speed and let it run. Can hear the whine, rev the engine and the pitch changes. Press the A/C button to disable A/C (but leave the fan running) and a second later the noise goes away.

Anyone else had this? Going to call my dealer, but curious if its been an issue for others.

Thanks.

-Chris

 

[FriedDumpling]

At a first step, it may be worth checking the cabin air filter and making sure it’s clean and secure.

Possible also one of the vents is stuck in position.


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[chrisbh17]

At a first step, it may be worth checking the cabin air filter and making sure it’s clean and secure.

Possible also one of the vents is stuck in position.


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Already done the filter, was hopeful that was it but no joy.

 

[McBroom]

Most likely it’s a pulley probably the idler pulley
Or could be the compressor clutch. I’d start there.


The Blue Mule

 

[chrisbh17]

Most likely it’s a pulley probably the idler pulley
Or could be the compressor clutch. I’d start there.


The Blue Mule

I was thinking something along those lines.....could also be the culprit for the 5-10 second loud "moan/groan" noise after starting in really cold weather.

Under warranty, Ill let the dealer handle it but basically everything Ive ever mentioned to them is "normal"......

 

[McBroom]

Yeah saying “normal “ is the politically correct way of saying “we ain’t gonna do anything about this problem”
“Sucks to be you” words from all dealerships!
When they tell me it’s normal I tell them to do something abnormal that fixes the problem so I’ll continue to be a happy customer. They know me and know I have a particularly nasty attitude “hulk”


The Blue Mule

 

[TC III]

At a first step, it may be worth checking the cabin air filter and making sure it’s clean and secure.

Possible also one of the vents is stuck in position.


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I had this same issue...

 

[chrisbh17]

I had this same issue...

Vent stuck or filter?

Did your noise get solved?

 

[crash68]

Yeah saying “normal “ is the politically correct way of saying “we ain’t gonna do anything about this problem”

The dealership technical description is NTF (No Trouble Found)

 

[TC III]

Vent stuck or filter?

Did your noise get solved?

Filter. The filter and cover were mis-aligned. Once fixed, the whine went away.

 

[chrisbh17]

Filter. The filter and cover were mis-aligned. Once fixed, the whine went away.

Hmm. And the whine went with engine RPM too? I thought that was a good indicator it was not filter related.

 

[TC III]

Hmm. And the whine went with engine RPM too? I thought that was a good indicator it was not filter related.

No it didn't match the Engine RPM. Your issue may not be exactly the same. You may have to rule out some issues to discover yours.

 

[Hemi395]

If you get nowhere with the dealer, pull the belt off and spin all the pulleys. Could be an idler pulley or the tensioner pulley making noise when there is the added load from the AC clutch being engaged....

 

[chrisbh17]

Thanks everyone, I will be contacting the dealer soon and will post results.

I, too, think its something with the pulleys and/or belts, as that would also explain the groaning noise Ive gotten in really cold weather. That noise developed over last winter, although it seems to be pretty common.

Drove the truck tonight and could hear it inside the cabin, but when I popped the hood to listen I couldnt hear it under there.....maybe it really is the lines vibrating on something?

 

[RamCares]

2017 RAM 1500 BigHorn with Hemi -

The last month or two I noticed a whining noise that matches engine RPM. I was deathly worried it was the transmission, but recently I realized if I turn off the AC the noise goes away.

My truck has auto climate control so I switched it to manual, fan at lowest speed and let it run. Can hear the whine, rev the engine and the pitch changes. Press the A/C button to disable A/C (but leave the fan running) and a second later the noise goes away.

Anyone else had this? Going to call my dealer, but curious if its been an issue for others.

Thanks.

-Chris

Hi Chris,
We're sorry to hear about your experience and are happy to hear that you have decided to have your dealer look into this further. If you would like to be connected with a Case Specialist to add an extra layer of assistance, please send our team a private message!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[chrisbh17]

Hi Chris,
We're sorry to hear about your experience and are happy to hear that you have decided to have your dealer look into this further. If you would like to be connected with a Case Specialist to add an extra layer of assistance, please send our team a private message!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

Appreciate the offer, sent you a PM

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[RamCares]

Appreciate the offer, sent you a PM

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Thank you, chrisbh17! I have received your private message and will continue assisting you from there,
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[bassheadhemi]

Subscribed as I have the same issue

I plan on replacing the idler pulley since there's seem to be some play

 

[chrisbh17]

Subscribed as I have the same issue

I plan on replacing the idler pulley since there's seem to be some play

Have appointment with dealer on Wednesday, will keep you posted.

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[bassheadhemi]

did the 2 pulley and strap today. didn't fix the issue, but my tensioner pulley had a lot of slack (worse than the idler) so it's still a good thing that I replaced them.

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